Spousal support attorneys for San Diego — temporary and long-term.
California spousal support has two phases: temporary (during the case) and long-term (after judgment). The numbers, the law, and the strategy are different for each.
What you need to know
Temporary spousal support in San Diego is generally calculated using a guideline (often the 'Santa Clara' formula). Long-term, post-judgment support is decided by analyzing the 14 statutory factors in Family Code §4320 — including marital standard of living, earning capacity, marketable skills, and length of marriage.
- Temporary support is set by a county-specific guideline; long-term support is not.
- Family Code §4320 lists 14 factors the court must consider for permanent support.
- Marriages of 10+ years are 'long-term' and may have no fixed termination date.
- Support generally terminates on remarriage, death, or further court order.
- A Gavron warning urges the supported spouse to become self-supporting.
Related topics & situations
Temporary Spousal Support
What you receive (or pay) while the case is pending.
Long-Term / Permanent Support
Post-judgment support and the §4320 factors.
Modifying Spousal Support
Material changes that warrant adjustment.
Terminating Spousal Support
Remarriage, cohabitation (§4323), and step-downs.
Lump-Sum Buyouts
Trading future support for a present payment.
Cohabitation & Support
How a new live-in partner affects existing orders.
Tax Treatment
Federal and California treatment after the 2017 TCJA.
Vocational Evaluations
When earning capacity is contested.
Gavron Warnings
The court's warning to become self-supporting.
High-Income Spousal Support
Above-guideline support in HNW cases.
Family Code §4320 requires the court to consider, among other factors, the marketable skills of the supported party, the marital standard of living, the duration of the marriage, the age and health of the parties, and any documented history of domestic violence.
Source: California Family Code & California State Bar guidance. General information only.
Spousal Support · Alimony — frequently asked questions
How is spousal support calculated in California?
How long does spousal support last?
Can spousal support be modified?
What is the difference between temporary and permanent spousal support?
Does cohabitation affect spousal support?
Is spousal support taxable in California?
What are the §4320 factors?
Can I get a lump-sum spousal support buyout?
What is a Gavron warning?
Does my retirement affect my support obligation?
Can I waive spousal support permanently?
What if my spouse refuses to work?
Speak with a San Diego family law attorney today.
Every conversation is private. Most clients leave the first call with a clear sense of what to expect — what California law says, what your case is likely worth, and what to do next.